For the first time since his defeat in the presidential election against Lula and after a three-month stay in the United States, the “self-exiled” far-right ex-president of Brazil, Zaich Bolsonaroreturned to the country today, determined to play an important role in the country’s political life.

Bolsonaro, president of Brazil from 2019 to 2022, arrived at the international airport of Brasilia shortly before 07:00 (13:00 Greek time), coming from Orlando, Florida.

His son, MP Flavio Bolsonaro, was waiting for him at the airport and tweeted a picture with his father, writing in the caption: “Today Brazil woke up stronger. The captain (leader) is back.”

About 200 of his followers were waiting for him, with flags of Brazil around their shoulders and singing, but Bolsonaro left the airport without addressing the crowd.

Also, in airport there was an unusually large deployment of police forces, according to an AFP reporter.

Immediately after his arrival, Bolsonaro went to the offices of the Workers’ Party (PL), escorted by military police vehicles, like all former presidents.

On the road where the motorcade passed, there were his fans waiting to welcome him with enthusiasm.

Brazil

His return has caused nerves in Brasilia. Military police are ready to quickly close access to Three Powers Square in the heart of the capital, as well as to the airport, in case of gatherings.

Bolsonaro

Ready to re-enter political life

Bolsonaro had left Brazil on December 30, before his term was even up, boycotting Lula’s swearing-in ceremony on January 1.

“I want to participate in the political life of my party, offering it my experience,” he said yesterday, Wednesday evening, to CNN Brazil from the Orlando airport.

Bolsonaro, 68, said last week that he intended to “run the country” and “do politics” to defend Brazil’s ultraconservative values.

Bolsonaro’s return to Brazil comes as President Lula is going through a difficult period, less than three months after taking office. After contracting pneumonia, he had to postpone this week a visit to China attended by his advisers to polish his shield after a series of belligerent and ill-advised pronouncements.

Facing criminal charges

Bolsonaro is returning to his country as the controversy continues over luxury jewelry, worth at least three million euros, he received from Saudi Arabia as a gift for his wife. Authorities are investigating whether he broke the law by bringing them into the country without declaring them and has been subpoenaed to testify on April 5.

At the same time, he is being investigated in the context of five cases being examined by the Supreme Court of Brazil, while he has lost his immunity. The most recent case concerns his role in the January 8 riots and the storming of government buildings in Brasilia, which looted thousands of his supporters.

The other four cases concern offenses allegedly committed while he was president: such as spreading misinformation about the electronic voting system and handling the covid pandemic.
Besides, the Higher Electoral Court is investigating no less than 16 cases in which Bolsonaro is allegedly involved.
He could be banned from political life for up to eight years, which would prevent him from running for president in 2026.